Moving from Ghana to the USA with the EB-3 Visa: Your First Year Explained

The EB-3 is a direct path to permanent residency, making it a life-changing opportunity for those seeking stability and a future for their families. But what happens after your plane lands in the United States?

You need to prepare yourself for a move as big as this but that won't be possible without knowing what to expect. It's important to understand what is waiting for you in the U.S. so you can plan effectively and settle down quickly.

This guide walks you through what to expect during your first year, from work to housing to adjusting culturally.

Arriving in America: The First Steps

After your EB-3 visa is stamped, you’ll enter the U.S. as a permanent resident. At the port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review your documents and confirm your status. Soon after, your green card will be mailed to your U.S. address.

During these first few weeks, you’ll also:

• Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if it hasn’t been issued automatically.

• Open a bank account to handle transactions more easily.

• Register for essential services like mobile phone plans and utilities.

These steps may seem basic, but they form the foundation of your new life in America.

Settling into Your Job

Your U.S. employer played a key role in sponsoring your EB-3 visa. Most Ghanaian applicants qualify through roles in industries like hospitality, food service, caregiving, or transportation.

In your first year, you can expect:

• Training and Orientation: Employers will introduce you to workplace rules, safety standards, and team culture.

• Cultural Adjustments: American workplaces tend to value punctuality, direct communication, and teamwork.

• Opportunities for Growth: While you begin with the EB-3 job, your permanent resident status opens future career possibilities.

Finding a Place to Live

Housing is often one of the biggest adjustments for Ghanaians in the U.S. Costs vary widely depending on the state and city. It's very important that you begin your search for a new place to live while you are still in Ghana because relocation costs can easily climb up and cost you much more than expected.

• Rental Apartments: Many EB-3 workers start by renting small apartments or shared housing.

• Popular Areas: Some states with strong Ghanaian communities include New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Texas. Living near other Ghanaians can ease the cultural transition.

• Budgeting Tips: Expect to pay one month’s rent plus a security deposit upfront. Utilities like water, electricity, and internet are usually separate.

Adjusting to U.S. Culture

Culture shock is natural. From food to communication styles, life in the U.S. is different from Ghana.

• Food and Shopping: You’ll find African markets in many U.S. cities where you can buy Ghanaian staples like yam, plantain, and palm oil. There are retail chains that cater to pretty much every need but you'll have to familiarize what's available in your neighborhood.

• Transportation: Public transport is limited in many areas, so owning a car may quickly become necessary.

• Community Support: Ghanaian associations and churches across the U.S. provide vital networks for newcomers. But you might not manage to move to a place where Ghanaian communities are based so try to seek out local communities that can help you out.

Family Considerations

If you’re moving with your family, the EB-3 visa covers your spouse and unmarried children under 21. This means they also become permanent residents upon entry.

Key things to focus on in the first year include:

• Schools: Registering your children in local schools (public schools are free).

• Healthcare: Understanding how U.S. health insurance works is essential. Many employers offer coverage, but you can also explore state healthcare plans. Compare plans and be sure to put your family's needs first before choosing one.

• Faith and Community: Many Ghanaian families find belonging through churches and cultural associations.

Building Your Long-Term Future

Your EB-3 visa is a stepping stone to a permanent life in the U.S. With your green card, you have the right to live and work anywhere in the country. After five years of permanent residency, you may also qualify for U.S. citizenship if you choose.

The first year is about laying down roots, establishing financial stability, building community ties, and supporting your family as you all adjust.

Conclusion

Moving from Ghana to the USA through the EB-3 visa is both exciting and challenging. Your first year will involve settling into work, finding housing, and adjusting to a new culture, but it also marks the start of long-term opportunities for you and your family. With patience and persistence, each step brings you closer to the life you envisioned when starting this journey.

Learn more about the EB-3 visa here.